I have very reluctantly decided to cancel the exhibition warm-up game scheduled on 31 Aug 2008 against Cardiff Devils. This is bad news for us but I can't find an alternative way around a very difficult situation.

The reason for canceling is simply that we won't be able to get enough of the imports here in time. We, like most of the other teams in the league, are having delays due to the new procedures needed for the work permits/visas and in combination with flights filling up we are struggling to get enough players over here in time. The cost of quick solutions for this would be higher then any potential income from the warm up game so therefore I see no other solution.

I can't see that it would be a good idea to promote our team using juniors or players from other teams to take part in the warm up game. What we need is our guys here to show what they are made of. This would not be done with some 'half way' solution.

We will be ready and in full swing for our first league game (CC Cup) on 6th of September, and I look forward to seeing you all there for that game. Ryan and I are excited about the team we've put together and , like you, can't wait for the season to start. The real stampede begins in September!

Tomas